Myth or Reality: Younger Americans are Using the Library?

According to “Younger Americans’ Library Habits and Expectations,” a study from the Pew Research Center, younger Americans ages 16 to 29 are much more likely than older Americans to use public libraries. In fact, approximately 60 percent of younger library patrons have done so in the last year vs. 45 percent of those 30 and older.

This study sheds light on younger people’s reading habits and their library use, dispelling key misconceptions. Among other findings, the study notes that:

80 percent of Americans younger than 30 say it is “very important” for libraries to have librarians to help people find information they need

76 percent say it is “very important” for libraries to offer research resources such as free databases

75 percent say it is “very important” for libraries to offer books for people to borrow